I come across a lot of German translation online resources in my work, and German websites which cover many German translation-related topics.
In addition to all the information about specific resources I explore on this website (index here), this page highlights others I think are good, where I know who’s behind them, or think they may be of help:
Each month Peter, Birte and Maynard explore a different aspect of life in Germany, giving you access to vocabulary you wouldn't find in standard textbooks. It's a novel approach to language learning, and Peter says it's getting loads of great feedback.
If you want to hear how a word is pronounced in German, or you want to compare with the pronunciation you get with Leo, you can always try Forvo.
German Verbs
Improve your German grammar knowledge and learn everything there is to
know about German verbs.
Learn German Easily with Lucas Kern, a guide on how to learn German easily using the storytelling method, plus his question and answer technique.
Professional online resources
The Translation Journal
publishes articles by translators about translators and translation.
It’s worth dipping in occasionally for interesting articles on the
translation profession.
Glossaries of specialist German terminology (medical, legal, technical etc.)
German as it lives and breathes...
RedensartenRedensarten =
expressions, and here is a great collection of German expressions and
sayings. Discover the meanings and boost your colloquial German!
Zitate.de. Zitaten = quotes, and here is a large collection. Search by name or subject area and impress your friends!
phrasen.com. A dictionary of phrases, sayings, expressions and idioms in German and in English.
Fun German - take a walk on the light side
The Austrian Dictionary (in German). OK, German is Austria’s official language, but try asking for “Schlagsahne” or “Quark” in Austria and people will think you’re “Deppert” (Look it up!) Invaluable for anyone planning a trip to Austria and wanting to impress the locals!
Schüttelreime.
Schüttelreime are created by swapping the initial letter(s)of words to
create new word combinations. They’re a bit more than Spoonerisms (e.g.
“teapot” = “peatot”), which are usually nonsensical, as the skill in schütteln(shaking up) is in creating real word combinations – Schicker Duft/Dicker Schuft) – and then putting them into verse. The website is in German, hope you’ll enjoy!
Not-such-fun German...
German was subjected to a Rechtschreibreform(orthography reform)
in 1996, with the aim of simplifying spelling ( more
–ss- and less-ß-, etc.). Not surprisingly, a fair amount of confusion
has resulted. Here is
the official version in PDF format (German), most recently updated in 2018, issued by the Institut für
Deutsche Sprache in PDF form for you to download. (For general
background info in English see this Wiki entry.) Enjoy!
English writing skills - key to a good German translation!
These are the only 2 style guides I could find which offering free, online access:
The BBC Style Guide
by John Allen is a must for anyone using English professionally – e.g.
German translators. Well set out and well written (well, obviously!),
and you can download the guide in PDF format.
The European Commission's English style guide is a handbook for authors and translators in the European Commission, available in PDF form to download. British English!
My top 6 sources for free German translations: boost your German translation skills with sources of free German translation including Project Syndicate.
Using an online translator directory is the best way to find a good German English translator - and to advertise your own German translation services!
Do you know of a good German translation-related site which would be of interest
to our visitors? Do you think your own
German website be included in this German translation online resource
centre?
Then send us a quick note using this form...
Many thanks.
Joanna
German Translation Tips & Resources
You’ll also
find German Translation Tips & Resources listed in a variety of
German translation online directories which I’ve listed here.
I'm
a German to English
translator living and working in Vienna, Austria. I turn German texts
into clear and accessible English, allowing clients to present their
stories, ideas and information to a completely new audience. My business
and marketing clients rely on me to get their message across clearly
and effectively. How can I help you today?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. More details here.
Essential resources
Essential reading
Got a question?
Something you want to ask about German translation? Check out the Q&As or Ask Me!
[?] Subscribe & get sent the latest news, tips & resources!